China cracks down on automotive industry online smear campaigns, over 9000 accounts penalized

Chinese authorities have initiated a significant campaign against online content creators accused of spreading misinformation and engaging in harmful practices within the automotive industry. The initiative has led to the penalization of over 9000 accounts and the removal of substantial amounts of problematic content.

The campaign, which commenced in Shanghai in June, targets four primary issues: intentional market disparagement, misinterpretation of policies, non-compliant marketing tactics, and incitement of irrational consumer actions. Investigations revealed these problems are widespread and often involve coordinated efforts by multiple entities.

Wu Hongming, deputy director of the network law enforcement supervision division at the Shanghai Municipal Cyberspace Administration, stated that automotive-related online content has become increasingly "professionalized, group-oriented, and industrialized." He noted that many content creators employ complex and deceptive language to evade regulatory scrutiny, making it difficult for authorities and platforms to distinguish truth from falsehood.

To date, the campaign has cleared over 91,000 illegal and undesirable online information pieces. Authorities highlighted a case where an individual, posing as a journalist without proper credentials, repeatedly published false negative reports about an automotive maintenance platform. This account has since been suspended.

The crackdown underscores that the online space is subject to legal oversight and that journalistic activities require specific licenses. Companies are advised to preserve evidence of potential extortion attempts and utilize legal channels for recourse. Regulatory bodies have also convened meetings with industry stakeholders to reinforce compliance with information dissemination guidelines.